New Qantas A330-200 takes first flight

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the aircraft represents a new era of flying for the Qantas domestic customer.

"We are pleased to again offer Qantas customers new product on the domestic network, particularly those travelling between the east and west coast", said Mr Joyce

"The new fleet offers passengers enhanced levels of comfort and state-of-the-art entertainment in every seat."

The A330-200 fleet features new seating collaboratively designed with Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson. Also on offer is the on-demand Panasonic in-flight entertainment eX2 system, which has over five hundred entertainment options including movies, TV programs, a CD library, games, a dedicated children's section, plus Qantas Lonely Planet Guides as seen on the A380. Each seat also features touch screen functionality to enhance interactive capabilities, as well as a USB port to enable charging of personal electronic devices, and PC power access.

Business passengers will enjoy an exclusive wide seatback design, an extra wide seat width of 22 inches, cocktail table, ergonomic cushions and extendable leg rest with fold out footrest.

Economy passengers will also enjoy an increased focus on comfort with an extra wide 18.1 inch seat width, ergonomic seat cushioning and a seat base that moves in conjunction with the seat recline.

The new aircraft, named The Clare Valley after the renowned South Australian wine region, will operate predominantly on trans-continental services between Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

The first of the new fleet arrived in December last year and feedback from our customers has been extremely positive.

The Qantas Group will receive five more A330-200s by the end of 2011, along with 28 more new B737-800s all featuring personal inflight entertainment in every seat by mid 2013.